Review: Don Bluth Front Row Theatre Presents BLITHE SPIRIT

Since its 1941 premier, the decidedly British comedy, BLITHE SPIRIT, has been a staple of the American theatre. For good reason, as it is imbued with the distinctive and enduring wit of its author Noël Coward ~ a wit that travels quite easily across the Atlantic. It appeals on a number of levels ~ as a parlor comedy of mishaps and unintended consequences; a poke at class pretensions; a spoof on the tenuousness of love and loyalty; and, of course, a ghost story.

For those members of the audience with an historical bent, BLITHE SPIRIT may be appreciated as well as Coward's brave effort to bring light to the darkness overwhelming London during the brutal German bombardment of London. The result, in the words of poet and cultural historian Geoffrey O'Brien, is a "very British sort of resistance literature, encouraging resistance to encroaching catastrophe by blithely ignoring it."

Speaking of resistance, as it were, what is irresistible is the charm that permeates Don Bluth Front Row Theatre's current production of the play. Directed by Janis Webb, the show glories in the lighthearted and supernatural, if not superficial, events surrounding the consequential outcomes of a séance and a cast that brings its full weight of talent to the stage.

On the pretense of conducting research for a book on the paranormal, the dinner plans of the debonair and rather self-possessed Charles Condomine (Tom Koelbel) go awry when his special guest, the clairvoyant Madame Arcati (Joy Bingham Strimple), actually conjures up a genuine materialization of his first wife, Elvira (Rachel Weiss). The situation leaves him shaken at the sight and sound of the apparition, his current spouse Ruth (Cheryl Schaar) befuddled and ultimately jealous, and his friends the Bradmans (Jack White and Priscilla Bertling) equally astonished at the weird turn of events.

It may seem strange that, with all that transpires in the Condomine parlor, attention is given to Ruth's efforts to train her new maid Edith (Stephanie Cartwright) in the protocols of good and well-paced service. There is, however, purpose to Coward's madness in introducing this rather awkward character.

Notwithstanding Charles's pleas to Madame Arcati to dematerialize Elvira, messing with the elementals gets him far more than he bargained for.

Rachel Weiss is alluring as, dressed in white and casting a devilish glare, she circles the gathering of the living and disrupts the calm demeanor of an increasingly paranoid Charles with reminders of his enchantment with her beauty.

Cheryl Schaar, filling in at the last minute to fulfill her demanding role, does a yeoman's job as the refined and ruffled Ruth.

It is in Joy Bingham Strimple's marvelous turn as the quirky and eccentric clairvoyant that the show gets its greatest share of laughs. With all manner of gesticulation and expression and outfitted like a lavish gypsy, Strimple delivers an exhilarating performance.

No doubt, this review leaves questions purposely unanswered and allows for no spoilers. There's just too much fun to be had in waiting for the inevitable moments of illumination.

BLITHE SPIRIT runs through May 24th at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre in Scottsdale.

Photo credit to Don Bluth Front Row Theatre

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre ~ info@donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com ~ 480-314-0841 ~ 8670 E Shea Blvd, Suite 103 ~ Scottsdale, AZ

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